Bangladesh have called up youngsters Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Rejaur Rahman Raja for the upcoming first Test of their two-match Test series against Pakistan.
Joy, member of Bangladesh’s Under-19 World Cup winning-side, has been enjoying a brilliant first-class debut campaign as he has racked up two centuries in this year’s National Cricket League.
Pacer Rejaur Rahman Raja has been impressing as well, with the 22-year-old Sylhet pacer picking up 33 wickets in 10 first-class games.
Bangladesh national team chief selector Minhajul Abedin said that Joy has shown temperament whereas Raja has a knack for wickets.
“It is still early days for him but Mahmudul has showed good temperament for the longer version. He is also an in-form batsman. With injury concerns to Taskin (Ahmed) and Shoriful (Islam), we needed to keep our pace bowling options open and Raja got the nod. We have been monitoring his performances in first class competitions. He is strong and energetic and has a knack for taking wickets,” he said.
Bangladesh will not being having the services of Taskin Ahmed in the first Test as the seamer injured his right hand in the third Twenty20 international match between Bangladesh and Pakistan, leading to him requiring stitches.
All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who has been suffering from a hamstring injury he picked up during the T20 World Cup, has also been included in the squad but his availability is subject to him being fit in time.
Bangladesh squad for first Test
Mominul Haque (Captain), Shadman Islam, Saif Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi, Yasir Ali Rabbi, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Shakib Al Hasan (subject to being declared fit to play)
